Relay manufacturer quietly changes internal parts, creates potential safety hazard

700-RTC_SolidStateTimingRelay

Sometimes product manufacturers change out the parts in a particular equipment model without changing the model number. Even though there is little to no change in function or feature set — the change is invisible to the customer — when regulations are involved these invisible changes can have severe consequences. Continue reading “Relay manufacturer quietly changes internal parts, creates potential safety hazard”

Raspberry Pi 2 sheds new light on an old control room problem

A Raspberry Pi computer next to its packaging

A bug was discovered on the Raspberry Pi 2, a small computer intended to promote computer science education to children. While new to the Raspberry Pi, this is old news to the nuclear power industry . . . . Continue reading “Raspberry Pi 2 sheds new light on an old control room problem”

A nuclear plant is shutting down. Track its daily progress on Facebook (for the next 60 years).

vermont-yankee

When Vermont Yankee scrams on December 29th, it will be for the last time. Then, the dismantling process begins. It will take 60 years . . . .  Continue reading “A nuclear plant is shutting down. Track its daily progress on Facebook (for the next 60 years).”

Lockheed Martin revives hope of forever ending the energy shortage

Credit: Eric Schulzinger/Lockheed Martin

That’s right, we’re talking about nuclear fusion reactors. In October of 2014, Lockheed announced that they might actually be on to something. They are planning for a 10-second demonstration in five years . . . .  Continue reading “Lockheed Martin revives hope of forever ending the energy shortage”